Only you can truly decipher and interpret the messages you’re receiving from the universe because they’re entirely dependent on what was happening at the moment you received the sign.

As Richardson explains, upon receiving signs from the universe, you can write them down, reflect on them, and/or talk about them with someone you trust.

“A good rule of thumb is to notice how the sign registers with you—does time seem to slow down, does the moment feel heavy with meaning, or do you get a physical reaction when the sign comes (like chills on your body)? If the sign keeps popping up in your thoughts hours or even days afterward, it’s definitely something to pay attention to,” she explains.

More often than not, though, many signs from the universe will be so synchronistic that the message is pretty clear (like hearing that car alarm when thinking about your recent date), and the more you get into the habit of paying attention to signs, the more they will come to you.

“When the universe sees a sign registered with you, it will know that you are becoming more open to guidance and send more guidance,” Richardson says, adding, “Remember that you receive more signs than you think, so if something feels like a sign to you, it probably is.”

Here’s our full guide to how to recognize when the universe is giving you a sign for more information.